Multiple people have been arrested in connection with the alleged abuse of a young girl in Oswego County.
The sheriff's office says the 10-year-old victim fled from her home on Albion Cross Road in the town of Albion, and told her neighbor she was the victim of ongoing abuse.
They say their investigation revealed the victim was allegedly hit with open hands, closed fists, and was kicked repeatedly. She had meals withheld and was required to eat one meal a day doused with hot sauce.
"The information we have is that the abuse just started out as open hand slaps or strikes that progressed into closed fists coupled with kicking," said county undersheriff Gene Sullivan.
Investigators say she was required to work outside all day and was not provided food, water, or access to a bathroom, and was not allowed to bathe. They also say the victim was also taken to the Happy Valley Game Management Park and forced to run with weighted backpacks.
She was followed by a vehicle and hit for running too slow. The sheriff's office says she was also tied to the rear of the vehicle by a rope for running too slow and was dragged.
It's an abuse case Sullivan says is one of the worst he's ever investigated.
"None of them are good; none of them are pleasant; none of them are right; but this rises to the top as being one of the most severe," he said.
Gary Bubis Jr., 37, Shawn Whaley, 23, and 18-year-old Brandy Shaver are all charged with second degree assault. Bubis’ assault charge stems from an additional allegation that he forced a 3-year-old victim’s hand into a container of hot water, causing burns to the hand.
Leslieann Raeder, 34, is also charged with endangering the welfare of a child. Her picture was not provided.
All four live at the same address on Albion Cross Road. Officials say the victims are Raeder's children. And they believe Bubis and Raeder had a relationship.
The investigation is continuing and additional charges are likely. Anyone with information is urged to contact sheriff’s investigators at 315-349-3411.